Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Rochdale at Spotland Stadium in Sky Bet League One was Jason Pearce’s first league start for Latics since he picked up a medial knee ligament strain against Oldham Athletic in late September, but the defender made his impact known on the weekend, scoring the opening goal of the game and helping his side to an important clean sheet.

“It’s great to be able to help the team and score a goal,” began Pearce, “but more importantly it impacted on getting the three points for the team.”

“I thought the lads were magnificent, we knew we would have to put in a shift away from home at a very tough place and we had to win the battle which I thought we did very well.

“The clean sheet is very pleasing, that’s what we as defenders set out to do every game, the goal is just a massive bonus. It was a good day personally and a great day for the team.

“The gaffer knows what he wants and what team he wants to play. On Saturday he mixed it up by playing four at the back when we’ve been playing a three recently, and I think that helped us to get the clean sheet.

“Me and Morgs (Craig Morgan) are good mates off the field and hopefully now we’re taking that onto the field as well.

“I thought we did well on Saturday, communicated well and positioned ourselves well. We got a clean sheet together against Crewe Alexandra as well, so if we can keep playing like we did this weekend then hopefully we’ll get many more.”

WATCH - Jason's goal and the key highlights from Saturday are available below.

The victory over Rochdale marked Latics’ 10th unbeaten game in the league, with Latics’ vice-captain ensuring that there is a real sense of belief within the squad.

“We’ve got a very good squad here, so we’re expected to be up near the top, but we’ve got to prove why that’s the case and I think in the recent weeks we’ve been brilliant.

“We’re unbeaten in 10 games now in the league and we just want to keep that going. I’ve had to be patient to get back in the team and on the weekend I got my chance, but that goes for everyone because we’ve got a big squad which inevitably means some very good players will miss out.

“There’s a sense of belief in the dressing room, but we look at each game individually and keep our focus on the next task.”

Latics were backed magnificently by 1,211 supporters in front of the Sky Sports cameras for Saturday’s lunch time kick off, and Pearce believes they have been vitally important, and will remain so over the course of the season.

“The support this season has been superb. I’ve said it before, last season was a massive disappointment and hopefully we can go straight back up for them.

“We’re going to do all we can to make that happen, but we’ve got to thank the fans already because they’re doing everything they can to help us succeed.”
Jason Pearce is sponsored by: